Thursday, 18 October 2012

A double whammy...WOYWW (#176) and APR ~ Stargazing

I never thought for one minute I'd be able to spend any time drawing during this holiday, even though I did pack my journal and pens...but surprisingly a window of opportunity appeared this afternoon and therefore I seized it!

Hubby has gone off for a game of golf with our kind host so whilst the golfer's away...the artist can play!

Then the difficulty begins because I've seen so many wonderful sights over the last few weeks both here and in Australia whilst on holiday that have taken our breath away...amazing views, scenery, truly inspirational sights...so where do you start?

Then I remembered it was Wednesday....

Julia's WOYWW (What's on your work desk Wednesday) would be a great place to start. I normally enter each week to have fun snooping visiting other desks around the world and I did have a beautiful desk a few days ago which I thought you all might like to see...

So although I'm incredibly late I'll pop over to enter. Why don't you take a peek too?

(I have to apologise to all my visitors because I've not visited anyone since starting this holiday.

I know that's just rude...but I do always reply to my visitors but I'll make up for it once I get home. Promise!

To make up for it...I've decided that I should have a 'giveaway' as a reward for your loyalty! Then I'll try and catch up with everyone...)

I didn't produce any work sitting here...but then look who would want to work!

I just enjoyed sitting there relaxing!

I'm being super sneaky maximising my time whilst I have some...so I'm entering into Jenn'sArtist Playroom challenge at the same time. This week Jenn's topic is stargazing and other than staring up at the amazing night sky here in Whangamata on the Coromandel Peninsula I didn't really think I could enter.
But then we were discussing the differences between the Australian flag and the New Zealand flag...'Eureka' the flags both have stars on them! LOL (how's that for thinking outside of the box Jenn?)

It's funny that sometimes you look at something but don't really see it properly...but once you start to open your artist eye things change. Details become far more clearer.

The New Zealand flag is blue with the Union Jack (the flag of the United Kingdom) in the upper hoist-side quadrant. Four red five-pointed stars edged in white are centred in the
outer half of the flag. The stars represent the Southern Cross
constellation.
Notable points of difference between the two national flags: the New
Zealand flag has nothing in the lower hoist-side quadrant (occupied by
the Commonwealth Star in the Australian flag) and its Southern Cross
comprises four five-pointed white-edged red stars (whereas all the stars in the Australian flag are white).

Now I do hope that no-one will be offended by my artists impression of their National Flag...I do know how sensitive these things can be...but forgive me this once!

I had to nip to the local shops to try and find a blue and red pen...the only ones I could find were Stabilo which have done the job but oh what I wouldn't have given for a larger nibs!

I couldn't resist adding the little kiwi onto the page...they're New Zealand's endangered, indigenous flightless bird...they are a little strange but so adorable.

If you haven't heard or seen one before here are a few facts....

The Kiwi cannot fly, and lives in
burrows on the ground.

Its diet is mainly worms,
spiders, bugs, grubs and fruit.

Kiwi's mate for life, some have
been together for 30 years.

A Kiwi's egg is large compared
with the size of its body (An egg averages 20% of
the females weight, compared to 2% for an
Ostrich).

The female is larger than the
male. In some varieties the males are the ones
that sit on the egg.

It is the only known bird to have
external nostrils at the end of its beak, and one
of the few birds to have a good sence of smell.
At night a Kiwi can often be heard making
snuffling noises, which is caused by the bird
trying to clear dirt out of its nostrils when it
is searching for food.

OH NO....the golfers return...

That's it folks until the next time.

Have a great week and I apologise Julia for the long post...I know it's supposed to be short but I'm late so maybe no-one will be out there and notice?

Because I was rushed for time I think it loosened it up a little which is something I definitely need to work on...so for that reason alone it was a good exercise. ;DYeah...small nib certainly got things moving!

Thanks for the challenge...you keep pushing my boundaries...which is what it's all about.

Isn't the kiwi a strange little cutee? We hope to see one before we leave. I think there's a place on our agenda which may tick that particular box. You'll certainly hear about it if I do :D

Have fun in the playroom and I'll catch up with you as soon as time allows xoxo

I think that porch would have induced a very long nap for me! I love your little Kiwi! Hubby is very keen to visit NZ. I think it would be exciting to see some of the places where they shot Lord Of The Rings. Soooo beautiful. Enjoy!

Too late Von...I'm about to pop!We're having three wonderful meals a day that really can't be matched. I'm seriously searching for elastic waistbands now! None in my case so there could be a problem looming ;D

Just a whole lot of wonderliciousness, Neesie!! You go on and enJOY your Holidays. I loved learning so much and think your kiwi is splendid. Intrigued by your flag insights. Does make a person ponder, eh?!

Aren't you the clever one? I'm at a loss with celestial and then I see everyone's clever interpretations and think I should be able to find SOMEthing....however, time is short and I'm still lacking ideas. So glad you're enjoying yourself and still finding a little time for art in some form!

Well the idea just sort of popped into my head! It certainly was thinking outside of the box for sure! I think I just got away with it ;DNot sure I'll manage the next one though and I do feel guilty about not visiting...but there's only so many hours in a day as you well know.I'll peep into the playroom to see if you manage to submit anything...good luck! :D

Fab flag picture Neesie, the movement is incredible and of course the wee Kiwi is sooo cute! Thanks for the details about them, I had no idea they lived in burrows! Wow! Shame your solitude was so short lived, but, on occasion, any little peace is gratefully received huh ;-D Hope you're still managing to enjoy yourself ;0)

It was all a little rushed as I had to make the most of my little time alone...and I must admit I was surprised when they reappeared! It's amazing how time flies when you're engrossed in doing some artwork isn't it? ;D

Thanks for stopping by again...I'm glad you liked the kiwi and random details.

There's no problem on the eating front May...although my waistband does appear to have a problem...it's just too tight!!!! :$

We just seem to be going from one gorgeous meal to the next. I feel I may 'pop' at any moment. Checking in my suitcase for elastic waistbands but there doesn't appear to be any.

We've moved on from that place now but each new place we stop at has equally wonderful attributes and the scenery between stunning if only I could get to show you! I'll try my best...but I may be a little late. Enjoy your weekend :D

It sounds like you are having a truly wonderful holiday, Nessie. I would like to be sittng enjoying that beautiful spot with you.As always, your artwork is just beautiful. I love the little Kiwi.Happy WOYWWHugs Lisax #84

I'm sitting in yet another beautiful spot Lisa...that I'll share later with you perhaps ;DI've been here since dawn appreciating it all.

I actually saw two kiwi but we were not allowed to use either phones or cameras. They have great hearing so we had to creep about without making a sound and with no lights but it was so special! They look even more bizarre when watching them go about their business but sooooooo cute.

I need another cuppa now ~ have a great week and thanks for stopping by. :D

Neesie, it sounds as if you are are having a lovely time away. Glad you are posting for WOYWW anyway -- so nice of folks to go golfing so you can draw. I love your little kiwi bird. Happy WOYWW from Laura #153

You better believe it Sandee,We've waited quite a while for this break but now we are making the most of it!I saw a kiwi two nights ago and he came so close we could nearly touch him. They are so funny to watch ;D

Great to see you and I'll pop over to you when I can ~ promise! In the meantime have fun and I'll wave to you from the middle of an olive grove on the hillside overlooking panaramic views. Ahhhhh.....:D

Awww, your flag totally makes me miss the Southern Cross... who knew that even stars would "creep into your being". And that (cute) Kiwi gives me a totally different vision of the All Black rugby team... no wonder they need the Haka - the Kiwi is too cute to instill fear! (Sorry, just had to poke fun.)

It is amazing isn't it Minnemie, I'm so tired of hearing the words, wow, awesome, wonderful, amazing, incredible etc...I need to source some more words to discribe these ******* (you choose the word) wonders! ;D

In terms of natural wow factors New Zealand is bountiful.

I'll pop over to see what you've been up to soon I promise. In the meantime I hope you have a great week with lots of creativity.xoxo

Yes, you did think outside the box for APR - and a good think it was. The little kiwi in the corner is the perfect touch. I didn't make it to APR this week and don't even have the excuse of being on vacation.

Hehe thanks Darla,I was quite pleased with the idea but not necessarily with the end product! I couldn't resist putting in the little guy. They are just so unique. In fact there's lots of that here. I'll catch up with you soon.

Have a great week and hopefully you'll be able to play in the playroom soon. I'm not sure I'll make this week but then I never do know in advance. :D

That is a great interpretation... and love the kiwi as well.. aren't they just the weirdest animals... cute but truly odd... but you have captured it perfectly... hope you are enjoying the wonderful wines while you are in New Zealand...xx

I get so excited to see you here and love to read your thoughts and comments.I always try to answer each one personally (I think it's only polite)...♥...I truly appreciate your precious time here so thank you ...♥...

About Me

Neesie Natters is where I'd like to share the things that have caught my attention and delighted me.
I've travelled the globe for 24 years but have now returned home. I'll share some of my artwork, travels, books, recipes, garden and photography which are all things that make my heart sing.
It's about following your passions and finding wonder along the way.
Welcome, I'm glad you're here.